38 Weeks

A few days ago, I took the girls to the county fair, hoping that between walking around for a few hours and all the horrible food that we ate, some dilation would take place that might just land in the hospital with a baby in my arms. But alas, baby Hannah is sitting tight. We did have a great time at the fair, though. We went with a sweet friend who was kind enough to take the girls on the carousel, since mama's a bit too prego to go spinning on a carousel.

Toria could hardly contain her excitement.

Her cheesy poser smile.

Juju, on the other hand, was not quite as sure about this ride. As their grandfather has appropriately pointed out, Toria is the one who will say, "Hold my beer. I wanna try this!" While Juju will be the one who will sit back and observe whether or not her sister survives before considering getting involved.

In the end, though, she said that she had fun. Round and round they went. Toria just squeeled with joy the whole time. Juju held on tight. 

Toria: Look mommy!! I'm a cow!!!

Here she was actually mooing! This kid just makes me laugh!

Mommy, I'm a bunny!! Look, I'm a bunny!

So, seeing as how my plan did not exactly work, here I am at 38 weeks. Somehow, I thought that by the time a woman has the third kid, she doesn't have to carry all the way to due date!! So, I set myself up for a let down, feeling so sure that I would go early. If only my uterus would contract the way that my calves have been contracting, in the middle of the night, so that I wake up in the morning feeling as if I have done step aerobics all night. If only.

I've started to get a few stretch marks on the underside of my belly, not that I can really see them except in the photos!

So now, I am officially 2 cm (that was the progress for the week, from 1.5cm to 2cm. woohoo.), and 40% effaced. Apparently, my cervix is quite favorable. For what, I'm not sure, seeing as how I'm not contracting and not progressing, but it seems to be favorable for something, so I will rejoice in that.

So, that's where we are. Maybe my favorable cervix will decide to give a little this week and we'll finally get to meet sweet baby Hannah. I have received ample advice on how to induce labor, most of which I have passed on, although the castor oil coke float is sounding more palatable with each passing day. But I am walking, which only seems to cause my feet to swell, especially as the desert begins to heat up again, and my husband is doing his part, ahem. 

That's all for now. Grace and peace y'all! I'll keep you posted!